Chapter 189 - The Excellence of Proceeding towards the Masjid Walking

Abu Hurairah reported: The Messenger of Allah said,

"He who goes to the Masjid in the morning or in the evening, Allah prepares for him a place in Jannah whenever he goes to the Masjid in the morning and returns from it in the evening.'' [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].


Commentary: This Hadith points out the merit of going on foot to the Masjid for Salat, no matter whether one goes in the morning or the evening. In fact, the heart of a Muslim should be attached to Masajid and on account of this, he goes there at all the prescribed hours of Salat to perform his Salat in congregation.

Abu Hurairah reported: The Prophet said,

"He who purifies (performs Wudhu') himself in his house and then walks to one of the houses of Allah (Masjid) for performing an obligatory Salat, one step of his will wipe out his sins and another step will elevate his rank (in Jannah).'' [Muslim].


Commentary: This Hadith has an inducement for offering Salat in the Masjid and brings into eminence the merit of doing so. The merit lies in the fact that one minor sin is pardoned at every step that is taken towards the Masjid and one's status (in Jannah) is enhanced by one stage. This Hadith also mentions the vastness of the Mercy and Blessing of Allah.

Ubayy bin Ka`b reported: There was a man of the Ansar whose house was the farthest from the Masjid. As far as I know, he never missed Salat (in congregation). It was said to him: "If you buy a donkey, you may ride upon it in the dark nights and in the hot days.'' He  said: "I do not like that my house should be situated close to the Masjid. I desire that my walking towards the Masjid and returning home be recorded to my credit.'' Upon this the Messenger of Allah said,

"Allah has gathered all (rewards) for you.'' [Muslim].


Commentary: We learn from this Hadith that the location of the Masjid at a long distance from one's house is advantageous in the sense that one gains merits at every step when he goes to the Masjid and returns from it. Not only that, a minor sin of him is also pardoned at every step. This Hadith also highlights the merit of good intention. One can attain many heights by dint of one's good intentions.

Jabir reported: There were some plots of land lying vacant around the Masjid. The people of Banu Salamah decided to move to this land and come nearer to the Masjid. The Messenger of Allah heard about it and said to them,

"I have heard that you intend to move near the Masjid.''

They said: "Yes, O Messenger of Allah! We have decided to do that." Thereupon the Messenger of Allah said,

"O Banu Salamah! Stay in your houses, because your footprints (when you come to the Masjid) will be recorded.'' He said this twice.

They said: "We would not have liked it, had we moved near the Masjid.'' [Muslim].


Commentary: This Hadith mentions the merit of living at a distance from Masjid. It  is better that such people who lack the passion for worship and are not punctual in Salat should live near Masjid so that they do not neglect the obligatory prayers.

Abu Musa reported: The Messenger of Allah said,

"The person who will receive the highest reward for Salat (prayer) is the one who comes to perform it in the Masjid from the farthest distance. And he who waits for Salat to perform it with the Imam (in congregation) will have a greater reward than the one who observes it alone and then goes to sleep.'' [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].


Commentary: This Hadith tells us that a person who comes to the Masjid for Salat from a longer distance earns a greater reward than the others who live near the Masjid. It also mentions the merit of performing Salat in congregation and waiting for it till one performs it behind the Imam.

Buraidah reported: The Messenger of Allah said,

"Convey glad tidings to those who walk to the Masjid in the darkness. For they will be given full light on the Day of Resurrection.'' [At-Tirmidhi and Abu Dawud].


Commentary: "In the darkness'' here indicates the Fajr and `Isha' prayers which are performed when it is dark. Because of the street lighting nowadays we do not feel darkness in these hours in towns and cities but even then these lights do not overcome the darkness completely. Thus in spite of the lights, Fajr and `Isha' prayers are the prayers of the dark. Their merit mentioned in this Hadith is that those Muslims who go to the Masjid for these prayers will be endowed with perfect light on the Day of Requital by means of which they will easily cross As-Sirat, while those who will be deprived of this light will be facing great trouble in crossing it.

Abu Hurairah reported: The Messenger of Allah said,

"Shall I not tell you something by which Allah effaces the sins and elevates the ranks (in Jannah).''  

The Companions said: "Yes (please tell us), O Messenger of Allah.'' He  said,

"Performing the Wudhu' properly in spite of difficult circumstances, walking with more paces to the Masjid, and waiting for the next Salat (prayer) after a observing Salat; and that is Ar-Ribat, and that is Ar-Ribat.'' [Muslim].


Commentary: This Hadith has already been mentioned. It has been repeated here to show that meticulous care in respect of purification, Salat and worship is akin to Jihad for the sake of Allah, and fight against the enemy in the battlefield. See the commentary on Hadith No.1030. Chapter 185

Abu Sa`id Al-Khudri reported: The Messenger of Allah said,

"When you see a man frequenting the Masjid, testify that he is a believer because Allah says: `Allah's Masjids are visited only by those who believe in Allah and the Last Day.''' [At-Tirmidhi].


Commentary: One who goes to the Masjid again and again to perform Salat in congregation deserves that one bears witness to his faith. This Hadith also brings into prominence the merit and distinction of those who have an attachment to Masjid, a passion for worship and remembrance of Allah, and fondness for the construction and maintenance of the Masjid. This Hadith is weak in authenticity but correct in its meanings and significance.